Junior Nora Cleary began playing softball at the age of 10 and has been pitcher for the CHS softball team for three years.

She decided to be a pitcher so that she could participate in every single play.

“When I strike out the batter, the look on their face is great,” Nora said.

Nora’s family has played a significant role in her softball career. She was influenced to play after seeing her older brother, alumnus Brian Cleary, play baseball.

“I started playing baseball at a relatively young age as well, and I guess she followed in my footsteps,” Brian said.

According to Nora, her parents have  supported her every step of the way, armed with sports beverages.

“They come to every game and always bring me Gatorade, because I forget,” Nora said.

According to teammate Alex Votaw, Nora has always been a team player.

“Nora is a fantastic teammate,” Votaw said. “She is just so much to be around, and she is really dedicated.”

Nora is committed to bettering herself each year. She practices in the off season twice a week with a pitching coach, plays on a fall league, and attends a winter clinic to improve her batting.

“She goes every Sunday to learn pitching at Striders Fastpitch Academy,” Brian said. “She has really invested a lot of time in this, and I think it shows.”

According to head coach Jamie Collins, Nora’s “outstanding effort” is what helps her improve each season.

“She understands that if you want to get better, you have to play off season,” Collins said, “She is aggressive on the base and a pretty good hitter.”

Nora pitches at a speed of approximately 46-49 mph and continues practicing to advance her speed.

According to Nora, her coaches and teammates helped her become the player she is today.

“When I make a mistake, they still cheer me on,” Nora said.

After high school, Nora hopes to continue playing softball.

“I plan on playing senior year and possibly club or intramural in college,” Nora said.